The Social Context of Early Adolescents in the Global Early Adolescent Study

PurposeThis paper used data from the Global Early Adolescent Study (GEAS) to provide a descriptive analysis of how early adolescents' social environments vary by sex across diverse cultural settings.MethodsThe analyses were based on baseline among 10–14-year old adolescents living in disadvantaged urban areas seven sites: Kinshasa (DRC), Shanghai (China), Cuenca (Ecuador), Lampung, Semarang and Denpasar (Indonesia), Flanders (Belgium). Except where face-to face interviews used, collected using self-administered surveys mobile tablets. Social measured examining factors within five main domains, including household family, school, peers, neighborhoods, media. Site-specific performed, Chi square tests Student T-tests identify sex-differences each site.ResultsThe majority lived two-parent households, perceived their parents/guardians cared monitored them, had at least one friend, reported high educational aspirations, neighborhoods as safe, socially cohesive, with level control. Yet, large gender site differences also observed. More girls same-sex friends levels parental monitoring, while boys more likely have mixed-sex spend greater amounts time friends. Adolescents watched most TV per day, higher proportions media daily basis. Significant use observed but varied according site.ConclusionsUnderstanding contexts differ between sites has relevance for we might examine attitude formations subsequent health behaviors. Given increased attention importance adolescence shaping attitudes norms, implementing approaches that consider boys' girls' lives may hold promise creating sustained improve change.